Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Virginia Beach is 30% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,649/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 24%
$90,685/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 3%
$366,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 31%
$1,704/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 12%
457,066
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $2,369/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Elgin — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Elgin?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Elgin?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $2,369/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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